Science Café Bloomington brings scientists and the public together to consider science research of general interest. The group recently hosted sociocultural anthropologist Rick Wilk of Indiana University, who researches why certain foods are considered edible in some eras and cultures, but inedible in others. Wilk specifically addressed fish, using carp and fish considered by-catch as an example.

Science Café Bloomington recently hosted a discussion with Daniel Cervantes, the director of Bloomington’s Feynman Observatory, about citizen science and the field of Astronomy. Marta Shockett, Science Café organizer, provided an overview of contributions made by citizen scientists through history. Daniel, who is also a Solar System Ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory at Caltech, gives the audience insights on designing and building a home observatory, and discusses his celestial observations.

Author James Madison spoke on June 24th at the annual meeting of the Friends of Monroe County Library about his new book Hoosiers: A New History of Indiana. Madison is the Thomas and Kathryn Miller Professor of History at Indiana University, Bloomington. In this lecture, he shares stories spanning 200 years, from Indiana as a frontier state to the present day.

On June 10th, Bloomington City Council Representative Stephen Volan moderated a public forum concerning illegal activity in the Kirkwood Avenue area of downtown Bloomington. A three-person panel consisting of Susan Bright of Nick’s English Hut, Byron Bangert, Chair of the Bloomington Human Rights Commission, and Erin Marshall of Decarcerate Monroe County, shared their thoughts and received comments from the public.

On the weekend of May 22, the Heartwood Forest Alliance gathered at the Lazy Black Bear in Paoli, Indiana, to celebrate its 25th annual forest council and to reflect on a quarter century of environmental activism. As Ernie Reed, Heartwood’s Council Chair, puts it, “Heartwood is people helping people protect the places they love.” On tonight’s program, some of Heartwood’s members share their experiences collaborating to protect the forests they treasure.

On April 28th, the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network honored local volunteers for their exceptional commitment to community service at the Be More Awards. Awards were given in ten categories covering education and literacy, health & wellness, arts and culture, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, youth, groups or families, service as a board member, college student involvment, and lifetime service. Honorees received a commemorative plaque from Mayor Mark Cruzan and a $500 check from the Community Foundation for the charitable organization they serve.

It’s the last day of class for students in J200, the Indiana University School of Journalism’s introductory course on writing and reporting. The nearly all-female student body gathers to hear from a panel of inspirational figures in local media and communications. Four women, all excelling in their field, share stores of challenge and triumph: 2015 College Photographer of the Year Caitlin O’Hara, freelance journalist and former WFHB News Director Alycin Bektesh, Director of Communications and Special Projects at the IU Office of the Provost Jennife Piurek and veteran newspaper editor Andrea Murray. The panelists share stories of challenge and triumph; dealing with inequity and injustice, professional goals and persistence, and advice for aspiring journalists. “Women in Media: Challenges and Triumphs” – a WFHB exclusive moderated by course instructor Chad Carrothers and recorded on-location in Ernie Pyle Hall on April 30, 2015.

On May 6, 2015, The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, led by its president and CEO, Jeb Conrad, hosted a conversation with local legislators, who discussed some of the highlights of this year’s legislative session and provided insights into the effects of new legislation. This event was moderated by WISH-TV political reporter Jim Shella, and is part of programming provided in support of the Chamber’s one-hundredth anniversary.

On April 23, CUBAmistad held a panel discussion in Bloomington featuring Frank Marshalek, Geography PhD candidate on Economic Developments, Marysol Quevedo, Musicologist on Cultural Changes, and Cathy McGuire of WILPF. The conversation touches on the history of the embargo, along with music and culture within Cuba.

On March 31, Finch’s Brasserie hosted Dr. Kate Reck of the IU Chemistry Department to give her presentation, “The Science of Poisions.” Dr. Reck explained the chemistry of toxic compounds, and gave examples of common foods and medications that contain toxins.